Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
07:49
Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
Published on: June 2, 2022
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Infant gut microbiomes contribute to metabolic states that impact brain function
Firas S Midani1,2, Do-Hun Lee3,4, Younghye Moon3,4
1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|April 10, 2026
Summary
Early infant gut microbiome alterations are linked to cognitive deficits. Microbiota interventions in mice restored normal behavior, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Microbiome research
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Metabolic pathways
Background:
- Gut microbiome alterations are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Causal mechanisms and therapeutic strategies are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal role of early-life gut microbiomes in neurodevelopment.
- To explore microbiota-based interventions for cognitive deficits.
Main Methods:
- Transferred infant gut microbiomes to mice to assess behavioral and metabolic phenotypes.
- Utilized fecal microbiota transplantation and rationally designed microbial consortia for intervention.
- Analyzed fecal amino acid concentrations and replicated findings in a second cohort.
Main Results:
- Early-life microbiomes from infants with later cognitive deficits induced adverse phenotypes in mice.
- Microbiota interventions, including fecal microbiota transplant, rescued behavioral deficits in mice.
- Lower fecal amino acid concentrations were observed in low-scoring infants, with replication in a second cohort.
Conclusions:
- Early-life microbiome composition causally influences neurodevelopment and behavior.
- Microbiota-based interventions show promise for treating cognitive deficits.
- Amino acid metabolism is a key pathway linking the gut microbiome to cognitive outcomes.
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